NASA partners with Stoke Space on Nova reusable re-entry

NASA selected Stoke Space for a collaboration to mature the upper-stage entry, descent and landing technologies of its fully reusable Nova rocket, the company said in late June. Awarded through NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate under an Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity, the agreement gives Stoke access to NASA Ames's hypervelocity free-flight test facilities along with the agency's aerodynamics and guidance, navigation and control expertise. The work targets how Nova's second stage survives and is recovered after returning from orbit.